Instant coffee and Netflix-it-anytime have become two markers of the current era. In all of this, it is hardly surprising therefore that our attention spans have shrunk.

Ours is a generation of risk-averse audiences. A majority, try as they might, cannot muster up the focus needed to sit through an entire movie or a 90-minute theatre performance. Fully appreciating the plot, character arc or theme is challenging even with decent productions; for average ones, there is little hope.

Maybe that was why a stand-up showby actress Bushra Ansari was embraced so eagerly by the metropolitan audience as the month started.

Malika-i-Tabassum, Ansari’s debut in the genre, drew throngs of celebrities and ordinary citizens to its premiere. The show, directed by DawarMehmood,is being staged at the Arts Council of Karachi until July 15.

The pre-event hype promised a solo performance by the living legend. One was encouraged to look forward to a night full of tummy-tickling laughter peppered with social satire, political commentary and cultural wit.

Stand-up comedy is not new in Pakistan. Performers like SaadHaroon and Akbar Chaudhry have been around for a while and have made it big. However, the landscapehad so far been dominated by men.An iconic woman taking a lead against the backdrop was needed.

Dream come true

The show opened with Mehmood, the director, sharing a hilarious anecdote about his struggle with persuading the actress (repeatedly calling her over phone, showing up at her door) to perform and pitching the show to the stakeholders as a passion project.

Mehmood said that he had produced and directed several plays penned by the celebrated writer Anwar Maqsood.

“It was a dream come true to have finally found an opportunity to work with Ansari, the comedy queen” said the director.

The Queen B

Bushra Ansari descended onto the stage on a royal throne - a malika. The entry was in keeping with the title of the show.

The audience is used to Ansari essaying literary comedy. This show was different. With it we learnt about another side of her; outrageously bold,unfiltered, uninhibited.

This was the first time in her long career that Ansari was doing a live stand-up show. Needless to say, the expectations were high as the actress is known for delivering riveting performances.

Bushrabegan be relating her life’s journey, beginning with her parents and siblings and gradually moving on to her career and various adventures.

Her account of a visit to Lahore to see a theatre performance unannounced was hilarious.It also depicted what celebrities have to go through and give up to acquiesce to publicfandom.

The performance was peppered with anecdotes that drove home the point. She spoke of the expectations people had of celebrities. She said one of her fans had demanded a selfiesnap during her Hajj pilgrimage and commented on her lack of makeup.

She reminisced about her (late) sister Sumbul and her mother’s fondness for her. She talked of the mixed feelings she had when she had to mimic Sumbul’s voice for her ailing mother who had not been told that her daughter had passed away.

She also indulged the audience with a comedic spin on some of Madam Noor Jehan’s renditions.

With her inclusive humour and dry wit, Ansari delved into many subjects including her interaction with the men in her life and her exploration of international stand-ups. A funny take on how different people spend their Sundays and a humorous dig at the expensive restaurant culture followed.

With bold cracks on relationships, sex, feminism and politics, the show wasrefreshing. Bushra, the queen bee, kept the audience tethered to the edge of their seats.

People have been used to Bushra Ansariessaying literary comedy scripts. This show was different. We learnt about a new side of her: outrageously bold, unfiltered, uninhibited - bordering at some points on frivolous and quirky.

Afterthoughts

Athought Malika-e-Tabassum left one with was that astage performance doesn’t have to rely on a generous budget, ostentatious set design and elaborate costumesto be a raging hit. Heartfelt performancesby willing artists might do the job just as well. Something that strikes a chord with the audience and resonates with them emotionally is all that is needed.

A word of caution: if you are cheeky and don’t enjoy being the butt of jokes, skip the first three rows or Bushra will get to you.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in Karachi